The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 08: The Lives of the Poets, Volume II

A collection of literary criticism and biographical accounts written in the early 19th century. This volume primarily focuses on ''The Lives of the English Poets,'' detailing the lives and works of various poets including Prior, Congreve, and others. The text delves into their historical contexts, literary contributions, and offers insights into their personal experiences and public perceptions.'' ''The opening of the volume begins by presenting an overview of Matthew Prior, exploring his rise from obscurity to prominence as a poet and statesman. It describes his early life, education at Cambridge, and notable works such as ''The City Mouse and Country Mouse.'' The narrative outlines his political engagements, including roles under royal patronage, while also touching on the challenges he faced, including public scrutiny and rivalries with established poets like Dryden. Johnson's eloquent prose sets the tone for a series of character studies on the poets featured in the volume, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their contributions to English literature.''